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It's Miller's time for A-League atonement

Jim Morton

More than an A-League championship is on the line for Liam Miller on Sunday - a Brisbane Roar triumph will also bring atonement.

Miller was a pivotal figure in the Roar's last grand final victory two years ago, but he was a shattered Perth Glory player left to rue his own last-minute foul.

The 2012 decider finished in high drama when Besart Berisha was awarded a controversial penalty after an air-swing in the box.

Referee Jarred Gillett correctly detected that Miller clipped Berisha's left boot as he seized down on goal and pointed to the spot.

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The fiery Albanian international duly converted and the Roar won a second straight grand final through another amazing two-goal comeback.

While several two-time Roar champions spoke to younger Brisbane players this week about their grand final experiences, former Manchester United midfielder Miller spoke about his heartache.

"He said it motivates him to ensure it doesn't happen again," veteran defender Shane Stefannutto said. "He said it's not a nice feeling and to some extent he still thinks about it now.

"It's risk and reward, it's huge. You win the thing and it's glory and it's parties and everything, but you lose and it's really depressing and disappointing."

Stefannutto said the Roar would love to help set things right for Miller.

The Irishman, who started his career with Scottish giants Celtic before six seasons in England, was drawn to Brisbane to end his career by winning silverware.

"I sat next to him that night that we won the premiers plate (last month) and he said `this is why I joined you guys," Stefannutto said. "This is exactly it - to be in these games and win these trophies.

"He's been a fantastic signing for us this year.

"He's brought instant experience and he's a guy who has played at Man United and knows a bit about football and playing in big games."